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Florida Child Support Help
Start with the State, Get Legal Help if You Need It Know Your Options. Save Money. Stay Protected.

If you need to establish, enforce, or modify child support in Florida, your first stop should be the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR). The DOR offers free or low-cost child support services, including income withholding, support calculations, and enforcement — a smart choice for many parents looking to save time and legal expenses.

But we know that not every situation is simple. If your case involves disputes, missing information, or court filings, our licensed Florida attorneys are here to help.
We offer professional consultations and attorney-prepared child support forms to make sure your rights are protected and the process is handled correctly.
Start smart — call the Florida Department of Revenue. Need more support? We’ve got your back.

Schedule a consultation with a Florida attorney who understands the system and is ready to help you navigate it. Questions? Call or Email us anytime.
FAQs
✅ Eligibility to File for Child Support in Florida
You may file for child support if:
  1. You are the parent or legal guardian of a minor child.
  2. The child lives with you most of the time.
  3. You can identify and locate the other parent.
  4. The child resides in Florida (or Florida has jurisdiction).
You may also file for enforcement if a court order for child support already exists but payments are not being made.
📝 Required Information for Child Support Filings
🔹 For Initial Child Support Filings
📁 Personal & Family Details
  • Full names, addresses, and phone numbers of both parents
  • Names and birthdates of all children involved
  • Social Security Numbers (kept confidential by the court)
  • Proof of paternity (if parents were never married)
  • Information about where the child has lived in the last 5 years
📁 Financial Information
  • Monthly income for both parents (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.)
  • Health insurance costs for the child
  • Childcare expenses
  • Court-ordered obligations (e.g., alimony, other child support)
📄 Required Court Forms (Initial Filing)
  • Petition for Child Support (Form 12.905(a))
  • UCCJEA Affidavit (Form 12.902(d)) – for jurisdiction
  • Family Law Financial Affidavit (Form 12.902(b) or (c))
  • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form 12.902(e))
  • Notice of Social Security Number (Form 12.902(j))
  • Summons (Form 12.910(a)) – to serve the other parent
  • Proposed Income Withholding Order (optional but recommended)
🔹 For Child Support Enforcement Cases
If an order already exists and the paying parent is not complying, you may file for enforcement.
📁 Documents & Information Needed
  • Certified copy of the original child support order
  • Payment history showing missed or partial payments
  • The total amount owed (arrears)
  • Details about the non-paying parent’s employer or income source
  • Any prior enforcement actions (e.g., license suspension, wage garnishment)
📄 Common Enforcement Forms
  • Motion for Civil Contempt/Enforcement (Form 12.960)
  • Notice of Hearing (Form 12.923)
  • Income Deduction Order (Form 12.996(a))
  • Affidavit of Arrears (if required by your county)
💵 Fees
  • Initial child support filing fee: ~$420
  • Enforcement filing fee: Varies (some counties allow reduced or no fee for enforcement)
  • Summons and service of process: ~$75-150
  • Fee waiver available via Application for Civil Indigent Status
👨‍⚖️ Other Requirements
  • Mandatory financial disclosure from both parties
  • Parenting class may be required in some counties if no existing custody order
  • Mediation may be required if there is a dispute about support or time-sharing
  • Bring photo ID when filing in person
© FLFC 2025
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